second thought

American  

Or second-thought

noun

1. Often second thoughts. reservation about a previous action, position, decision, judgment, or the like.

   He had second thoughts about his decision.

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idioms

1. on second thought, after reconsideration.

   On second thought, I don't think I'll go.

second thought British  

noun

1. (usually plural) a revised opinion or idea on a matter already considered

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Etymology

Origin of second thought

First recorded in 1625–35

Example Sentences

But for Fatima, a 36-year-old German housewife travelling with her family, "there was no second thought" about coming to Mecca, Islam's holiest city.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

The second thought explicit directions were a mere suggestion and not to be followed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Cars, which we jump into every day without a second thought, are not as safe statistically.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

He was like, ‘Nah, I don’t think acting is my passion, but I’ll never forget those moments … You know what? On second thought, it depends on the script.’

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

My second thought was if anybody ever says I’m sorry to me, I sure ain’t go’n slap him or push him away.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns